BoxRec

BS.com has been advised that the World Boxing Council has ordered immediate negotiations between WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez (20-0, 17 KOs) and top contender Anthony Dirrell (32-1-1, 24 KOs).

If they are unable to reach an agreement during the free negotiations period, then the sanctioning body will hold a purse bid on Friday June 22.

Last year, the Benavidez and Dirrell were scheduled to fight each other for the vacant WBC title - but Dirrell withdrew with an injury, and he was later replaced by Ronald Gavril.

Dirrell holds the number 2 ranking under the WBC. Callum Smith, who is part of the World Boxing Super Series tournament, is ranked at 1.

Dirrell previously held the WBC title and lost the belt by way of a close twelve round majority decision to Badou Jack in April of 2015.

Since that loss, he's won five fights in a row - with his last appearance being last month's dominating decision win over Abraham Han.

As BS reported last week, Benavidez had reached a deal to defend his title against former Olympian Matt Korobov (28-1, 14 KOs) of Russia on July 28.

There is no clear indication, at least not yet, if the WBC's recent order will in any way affect Benavidez-Korobov.

A better fight than Korobov? Maybe. I wouldn't mind seeing both.

Funny the WBC order this when they likely know Benavidez was in talks with Korobov. You'd think after his last fight they would tell him if he's allowed a voluntary or not.

dirrels a way better fight then korobov

jamamb wrote: ↑21 May 2018, 22:39 dirrels a way better fight then korobov

Depends on the version of Korobov. The one that schooled Uzcategui is better than Dirrell. I would like to see both fights. A game Korobov is dangerous.

that was a green uzecategui and korobov was ragged late in that fight and won only 6 rounds on a lot of cards

the guy is 35 and a half and in his biggest fight couldnt even make it halfway vs andy lee. he has 0 notable smw wins and has done nothing for years, or really at all. bizarre guy to rate

he doesnt even have a c+ level smw win

dirrell is a way more interesting fight

It's a shame Benavidez dosent have a bit more power so he can smash Dirrell into retirement. Still, I rather see that than Korobov.
Like Jammy says, he's had his day, and IMO so has Dirrell. Plenty of exciting younger fighters to replace them both.

David Benavidez vs. Anthony Dirrell Deal is Reached

BS.com has been advised that a deal was reached for WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez (20-0, 17 KOs) to make a mandatory defense against top contender Anthony Dirrell (32-1-1, 24 KOs).

The World Boxing Council had ordered them to fight on May 21 and a purse bid, scheduled for Friday June 22, is now canceled. The fight is being targeted for September.

I don't really get why Dirrell would be a mandatory challenger, but I won't mind seeing a Dirrell get beat again so I'll take it.

benavidez has got some pretty big hype relative to who hes beat, lol ronald gavril by decision x2 and porky medina? ya, some real top fighters he beat there

really good test for him vs anthony, way more talented then anyone hes faced

It should be his toughest fight.